New Member wally walk, printing bad!

[muleman]

Hello folks, I've been checking out the site for a while now. I noticed alot of people were nervous when they first started carrying, especially of printing.
Well, i made my wally walk tonite carrying my Glock 23 in a blackhawk holster. The only way it could have been any more obvious is if i had a flashing light on the butt of it. Now i know all the PD officers in this city well so i am very comfortable here. I figured i would see just how many people would notice or, like everyone says they would be oblivious. I was all over wal Mart, got some new button up shirts to cover with, bought some ammo at the gun counter, leaned all over the counter so i could see what they had in stock. No one said a thing, i talked to everyone i could even took a hug from the greeter lady. Now i normally wouldnt go out printing like that but i was curious if anyone would notice. The moral of the story is dont worry about everyone "making" you and put your gun on and carry it. whats the point of getting the permit if you dont?? This is a great site!

notice the obvious print?

Glock 23 in blackhawk holster

[USA1]

Welcome to the forum muleman

Yes, I can practically see your gun.
No big deal though because I'm always looking for signs of someone carrying.

Have you considered IWB ?

[muleman]

I knew i was printing bad when i left the house. its just not really that big a deal. i dont generally go out like that.

[karl]

Welcome.

What gun? That's a phone.

[cougartex]

Welcome.

What gun? That's a phone.

[USA1]

You can always use the.."It's a medical device..wanna see?"

[MojoTexas]

I've found that wearing dark patterned shirts (such as plaid western shirts or flannel shirts) help break up the printing a bit, so it's not as obvious.

I haven't been questioned yet about my "bulge" under my shirt, but if I am, I am prepared to respond that it's my "PDA". (Personal Defense Assistant)

My wife pointed out that she could sometimes see the "bulge" the first couple of times I carried but I pointed out to her that it could easily be a phone, pager, etc. She replied, "Good point," and hasn't mentioned it since.

I was cautioned by my mother last week that the bottom of my OWB holster is visible if I'm standing on the nerf rail of my pickup, while putting my toddler son into his car seat. Since then I've been cautious to make sure no strangers are watching while I buckle him in.

[Skydivesnake]

With that kind of shirt (light color which shows shadows, square cut so it's obvious when there is something underneath) it's going to be hard to conceal an OWB. OWBs seem to work best with a mid-length jacket of some sort that is unlikely to be a year-round solution in Texas. Get an IWB with it placed at around the 4o'clock position and then work with the cant and exact position until it's right.

Then stop worrying about it :-)

[MoJo]

I carry OWB year around the secret is to buy shirts one size or more larger and use a body hugging holster. Most paddle style holsters don't hold the gun nearly close enough to the body.

I prefer a pancake style or Askins style holster in leather. They will mold to your shape and the rear belt loop pulls the butt of the gun close to your body. A good gunbelt is also imperitive the thin single thick belts available at most retailers won't hold your pants up properly, much less your gun.

Shirts with a pattern or dark colors work best for me I generally avoid knit fabrics and fabrics that are prone to static.

[Abraham]

A lump or bulge beneath a shirt isn't printing.

A unmistakable outline or the distinctly observable contours of a pistol under a shirt or other concealing garment are quite another matter...

[blackdog8200]

With that kind of shirt (light color which shows shadows, square cut so it's obvious when there is something underneath) it's going to be hard to conceal an OWB. OWBs seem to work best with a mid-length jacket of some sort that is unlikely to be a year-round solution in Texas. Get an IWB with it placed at around the 4o'clock position and then work with the cant and exact position until it's right.

Then stop worrying about it :-)

I agree, IWB and slide it back some. Also a GOOD belt is worth the money. Galco makes some that have the "worn in curve" built into them, look like a dress belt and fit great. Get one a size up from your regular belt for IWB Carry. The Blackhawk holster you have (I have one too) holds the gun too far off body for my tastes.

The "Camp " shirts are great and I buy them in dark colors....don't have to tuck them in and nobody knows what I have underneath. I bought the last one at Casual Male XL...Their XXL is bigger than a XXL at Walmart or Penny's etc. FYI XXL is the smallest size they start with....

Penny's did have some "dress" shirts in the big and tall section that are flat across the bottom unlike a fitted dress shirt and they look good untucked as well.

Like everyone has said....people just don't pay that much attention to you

[bdickens]

Printing is when you can see the actual outline of the gun, not just a bulge.

[RPB]

I hope the Walmart greeter lady who hugged you avoided squishing your colostomy bag bulging under your shirt; it looks like it must be almost full..

I carry my Glock 19 at 3:00 IWB and Glock 26 Crossdraw or 3:00 and have no visible bulge. Same general body shape as yours.

http://www.jndtactical.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; COMFORT CARRY© or Comp-Tac http://www.comp-tac.com/catalog.php?cPa ... Csid=4cbc4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Desantis Tuck This 2 for crossdraw usually, very versatle, SUPER concealable, not as comfortable though.

Comp-tac contoured, kydex reinforced, velcro lined belt

[Beiruty]

I have a serpa too, I carry with it when wearing a leather jacket in the winter. Or, under a think wool pullover. Also a fleece jacket or windbreaker will work too.